Recycling of PFTE

Challenge:

PFTE, better known as Teflon, is a fluorinated plastic material with countless properties. It is used in everything from frying pan coatings to specialised industrial items. However, PFTE is difficult to degrade and no large-scale recycling of PFTE is currently taking place. Quantities of PFTE accumulate everywhere with no way to dispose of it or recycle it. Three companies joined forces in this knowledge bridge project together with FORCE Technology to identify sustainable solutions for the recycling of PFTE waste.

Solution:

The project aimed to uncover and expand the recycling opportunities for PFTE materials to minimise environmental and climate impact. The options investigated included mechanical shredding, thermal degradation, and pyrolytic decomposition of PFTE. In addition, possible buyers and uses for the residues, as well as the regulatory and economic viability of exporting PFTE, were explored.

Impact: